by Nancy Schulte

Spring in park built over the ruins of destroyed Arab village Saffuriya

Twenty-five new friends have just 3 words: “What…a…Day!” Between 8:30 and 5:30 this May 8, our newly-arrived group had at least a semester’s worth of lessons. We met and walked with three individuals in Galilee. They would tell us they are simply living their lives as peacemakers in the country of Israel. We know they are remarkable, because of the extraordinarily hopeful work they do in a seemingly hopeless situation.

The first of our visits was with a British-born journalist and author of 4 books (one as a ghost writer). Jonathan Cook told us he came to Nazareth more than 15 years ago because he didn’t think he was getting “the full story”. He found it. He is a first-hand witness, researcher, detective, and truth-teller. He brought us to stand under a kodachrome blue sky, near a cool spring, surrounded by thistles, evergreen trees, and prickly pear cactus. Here was once a peaceful Palestinian Village.

Jonathan Cook with our group.

And here we learned how that village of Saffuriya became one of 531 communities to be decimated by actions that created the state of Israel in 1948. He shared military records and photos as we learned a “tale of two cities”.  There was the old city from which Palestinians had been expelled through policies, intimidation, and bombing. It is now a small amount of stone rubble completely overgrown with Israeli-planted forest. Next we drove through the newer village that is securely gated and is exclusively for Jewish residents.

Next we learned a tale of two more cities: Nazareth and Nazareth Illit. The story reflects purposeful redirection of property and resources away from those who call Palestine their homeland, and toward the Israeli government. Visiting Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation later, we could only hope and pray that governments and individuals might find a peaceful resolution one day.

Jonathan shared so much more with us. My travelling companions wisely recommended that I send you to his website: http://www.jonathan-cook.net/.

Nabila Espanoly

Our second contact was with the dedicated and knowledgeable Nabila Espanioly at her preschool center, Al Tufula. She told of her work with Israel’s most precious resource: it’s children. (As a retired educator of young children, I’m convinced of the importance of her efforts to give Christian and Muslim children a chance at equality.) Nabila related the struggles to set up this school for area children and families who are excluded from Jewish facilities. Discrimination and red-tape have not stymied her tenacity.

Habib Karam, a board member of Sabeel

Finally, we visited Habib Karam, a board member of Sabeel, a Christian-based, liberation theology organization working for justice and change for Palestinians through non-violent action. He is also a loving family man who made the decision to move back to his native Nazareth from the U.S., where he had been educated and lived for 21 years. He is dedicated to informing the local and international community about the inequalities and illegal occupation that Arab Christians are living with daily.

Following this full day was a gracious visit from yet another peacemaker: Father Chacour. I am a lucky mom to meet with this man who had such a positive influence on my son and daughter. I am proud that both of our kids participated in youth work trips here at Mar Elias twenty years ago. And so, with gratitude I say, “What a Day.”

— Nancy Schulte